Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program

The Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital is a comprehensive, one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare physicians for certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS). The program is noted for its collaboration with the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, which enhances the fellowship's educational experience and clinical exposure.

The program offers a wide breadth of experience in dealing with various colorectal conditions. Fellows gain significant experience in the surgical treatment of colon, rectal, and anal cancers, as well as extensive exposure to cases involving Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and complex diverticular disease. The program also focuses on training in colonoscopy and anorectal surgery, providing a comprehensive skill set for trainees. Monthly rotations at Massachusetts General Hospital offer additional pelvic floor experience, further broadening a fellow's expertise.

Program Structure and Rotations

During the year, fellows are expected to maintain a rigorous clinical schedule. This includes weekly outpatient clinic sessions and endoscopy sessions, ensuring ample hands-on experience. By the end of the fellowship, each resident typically completes between 400 and 500 procedures across various colorectal surgeries, ensuring a rich operative experience in both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques.1

Didactics and Conferences

The fellowship includes a robust educational component comprising weekly to biweekly chapter reviews with faculty, journal club discussions on key manuscripts, and case presentations for inflammatory bowel disease and GI cancer alongside specialists from the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center. Additional structured conferences focus on morbidity and mortality reviews and surgical grand rounds, all tailored to enhance the learning experience of the fellows and ensure a well-rounded training.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical aspect of the fellowship experience. Each fellow is encouraged to undertake a clinical research project, supporting the development of future studies in colon and rectal surgery. Furthermore, fellows are required to submit an abstract for presentation at the annual meeting of the ABCRS, and there are opportunities to write manuscripts and book chapters during the fellowship period. Collaboration is highly emphasized, fostering a culture of academic growth and scientific inquiry.2

Faculty and Mentorship

The program’s faculty comprises highly experienced clinicians dedicated to mentoring the next generation of colorectal surgeons. The faculty’s extensive academic and clinical backgrounds help ensure that fellows receive broad and diverse exposure to various surgical techniques and patient care challenges. The institution promotes an environment conducive to both clinical excellence and innovative research.3

Application Process

The fellowship program typically accepts one fellow each year. Candidates must apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete application requires detailed documents, including a CV, medical school transcript, personal statement, dean's letter, and several letters of recommendation. The application deadline is typically set for September 1, with virtual interviews held in the fall.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is particularly competitive, interviewing approximately 20 to 25 candidates annually. The program is known to be friendly towards diverse backgrounds, including both DO and IMG candidates. For those requiring visa sponsorship, the fellowship can facilitate sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, thereby accommodating international applicants who meet the program’s rigorous standards.1

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Brigham and Women’s Hospital is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, as reflected in its United Against Racism initiative. This initiative, along with the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, promotes a culture that fosters mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for residents and fellows.3

Supportive Resources

Understanding the challenges of residency, the program offers various resources aimed at supporting the fellows’ well-being. These resources include mental health tools, child care services, and comprehensive employee assistance programs to ensure that residents maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout their training.

This combination of rigorous clinical training, extensive educational opportunities, and supportive faculty makes the Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital a premier choice for aspiring colorectal surgeons.